Breaking News: Kanzler will be the new manager

[D-train]

[Big_Maple]

Well, the Mariners talked about wanting “fresh ideas.” A player-development background fits a roster that is about to bring Emerson, Arroyo, Montes and Young into big roles.

But... he has no in-game managing track record. So much for getting someone who has experience.

[D-train]

Yeah I am fine with this hire but why even bother to mention wanting managerial experience??? Jerry is the absolute KING of unforced errors and backing himself into a corner and making himself look like an idiot...

[Captain 97]

The M's Facebook page is blowing up. The Fan Base is not pleased.

[Captain 97]

Well, the Mariners talked about wanting “fresh ideas.” A player-development background fits a roster that is about to bring Emerson, Arroyo, Montes and Young into big roles.

But... he has no in-game managing track record. So much for getting someone who has experience.

Come On man he has managerial experience in high school.

[Big_Maple]

The M's Facebook page is blowing up. The Fan Base is not pleased.

With his record, they likely had no issues hiring him. They likely validated his parking, and sweetened the deal with a box of "Kings Court" t-shirts and a 2 for 1 gift card to Dick's.

He has never managed a professional baseball team. Not in the big leagues. Not in Triple-A. Not in High-A. Not even in that weird independent league where the mascot is also the shortstop. Zero. Games. Managed. And somehow Jerry Dipoto looked at that résumé and said, “Yes. This is the man who will get Julio Rodríguez to stop swinging at sliders in the dirt.”

Somewhere in Seattle, a front office is already preparing the midseason “we still believe in the process” press conference.

[AT Fresno]

Hooray Kanzler will be the new manager of the Mariners? Who the fuck is Jason Kanzler?

[Captain 97]

Director of the Cubs Minor league System for the last 3 years.

The cubs minor League record over the last 3 years....
2024 348 wins - 368 losses
2025 326 wins - 390 losses
2026 341 wins -365 losses

What ever happened to 54%?

[DanielVogelbach]

Director of the Cubs Minor league System for the last 3 years.

The cubs minor League record over the last 3 years....
2024 348 wins - 368 losses
2025 326 wins - 390 losses
2026 341 wins -365 losses

What ever happened to 54%?

Several notable Cubs players developed and reached the majors (or took major steps forward) while he led the farm:

Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA): The clearest star. Acquired earlier, he broke out into an elite center fielder under the broader development apparatus during Kanzler’s tenure. He had a massive 2026 season that included joining the 40-40 club and finishing as an MVP finalist.
Matt Shaw: 2023 first-round pick who debuted in March 2025 (Tokyo Series). He settled in as a solid infielder/utility piece with strong defense (Gold Glove finalist as a rookie).

Cade Horton: 2022 first-round pitcher who debuted in May 2025. He had an excellent rookie year (runner-up NL Rookie of the Year) with a strong ERA and win total.

Moisés Ballesteros: International signee (catcher/DH) who debuted in May 2025. He showed advanced contact skills and contributed offensively before later being traded.

Owen Caissie: Power-hitting outfielder who debuted in August 2025 after strong minor-league production.

Others in the mix include Kevin Alcántara, Michael Busch, Jordan Wicks, and James Triantos, plus rising prospects Kanzler has publicly praised such as Josiah Hartshorn and Ethan Conrad.

Observers have noted that Kanzler helped produce a strong wave of offensive graduates from the Cubs system during his time there. Development is always a team effort (involving previous staff, coaches, and the players themselves), but these are the main names associated with the system he directed.

Cubs won .549 last year.

[GL_Storm]

I guess I'm glad they went with the younger guy vs. the older guy, but other than that I have no real reaction.